Parents who do not have the same surname as their children are being warned to check a potential problem before going on holiday.

It is common for parents travelling abroad with children to face difficulties at the airport.

But these difficulties can be avoided if the parent has the right documentation with them.

A lawyer is warning mums and dads that they could "unknowingly end up embroiled in a child abduction case, be refused past check-in, or turned away at border control" if they fail to take the right documents with them.

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It can, however, be difficult for a person to prove they are a child's parent on the spot, unless they are carrying the right documents.

Parents are being warned to take caution when travelling with children whose surnames are not the same. (Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)

David Connor heads up the family department at Woodcocks Haworth and Nuttall Solicitors and says parents need to plan ahead to avoid being caught out.

He said: "People need to take extra caution when holidaying with children who don’t share their surname as they could unknowingly end up embroiled in a child abduction case, be refused past check-in, or turned away at border control.

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"It’s vital you have the correct documentation to hand or it could derail your trip.

"For separated families, you’ll need evidence of approval from your child’s other parent, but remember to seek approval from everyone with parental responsibility – this may include grandparents too."

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He added: "You’ll also need a copy of any Child Arrangement Order which proves you have court approval to take the child abroad.

"It’s vital that all evidence marries up and this is where divorced parents are often caught out, particularly women who revert back to their maiden name. A change of name deed will help here, which can be supplied by a solicitor. Take a copy of your child’s birth certificate with you too to prove who you are."